Election Day in Carmi

Election Day has arrived and voters were out early today to cast their votes in several key races for the city of Carmi. Polls opened at 6 a.m. with two locations within the city limits. Voting for Precincts No. 13, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 is being conducted at the Floral Hall at the White County Fairgrounds while voters in Pre...

Election Day has arrived and voters were out early today to cast their votes in several key races for the city of Carmi. Polls opened at 6 a.m. with two locations within the city limits. Voting for Precincts No. 13, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 is being conducted at the Floral Hall at the White County Fairgrounds while voters in Precincts No. 12, 14, 15 and 16 gathered at the Church of God Community Room located on Sycamore Street in North Carmi.

The race most area residents are watching is for mayor of Carmi. Current mayor David Port is seeking reelection and is being challenged by Jeff Pollard, an alderman for the city of Carmi, and Bill Mears, retired municipal worker for the city of Carmi.

Other races to be decided in the election include city clerk with four people running for the position. Don Kittinger, current clerk, is not running and is retiring from that position. The four names on the ballot include Harry Fey, Dee Blazier, Brian Allen and Irma O'Dell.

Several alderman races are underway with Steve Winkleman facing Doug Redman in Ward 3 and Keith Davis and Leon Groves vying for the Ward 4 seat previously held by Ralph Anselment. Anselment is not seeking reelection after more than 40 years of service.

Also, four names were on the ballot for Carmi Township trustee, including Anthony Huffer, David Hall, Roger Heckler and Kim Egbert with three slots to fill. Jimmie Mallette ran unopposed for supervisor, as did Jack Martin for township clerk.

Other candidates listed on ballots included board of education candidates and trustees for community college.

"We've had 15 voters come through in the first hour," said Michelle Winters, who served as an election judge for Precinct 13. "It's been steady but not like it was in the fall. They were lined up for our precinct when the doors opened at 6 a.m."

All election judges did admit they expected the traffic to pick up as the day went on. The foot traffic had already picked up by 7 a.m. compared to the first half-hour of voting.

The polls will stay open until 7 p.m. tonight at which time votes will be tallied and winners will be determined.

Times reporter Braden Willis will be at the White County Courthouse Tuesday evening to cover all results. Pick up a Thursday, April 11 edition of The Times for all election results and reactions from the winners.